- A preview of the new design language for BMW M GmbH’s high-performance cars.
- A new interpretation of dynamism, agility and precision at BMW M.
- Design and technology derived from motorsport.
The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse makes its world debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It showcases BMW M’s new design language and sends a clear signal about the brand’s all-electric future. The future BMW M product range combines expressive design, high performance and innovative materials.
The vehicle bridges the gap between its heritage and motorsport. It is instantly recognisable as a high-performance car. BMW M thus remains true to its guiding principle: “Born on the track. Made for the road.”
“The new BMW M design language is the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse: bold and determined,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design for the BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M. “At BMW M, form always follows function. Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it takes the character of BMW M into a new era.”
Form, function and motorsport references in the exterior design
Powerful proportions, precise lines and a muscular shoulder line with wide wheel arches define the unmistakable character of BMW M.
Numerous M-specific design features optimise aerodynamics, including the reimagined M aero exterior mirrors in BMW M colours.
A distinctive air outlet shapes the V-shaped bonnet. It aids the cooling of the electric powertrain.
A forward-facing shark-nose design and a lighting signature with a sense of depth characterise the front end. The headlamps and front grille form a single unit. The new yellow M lights provide a focused view of the road. The yellow light icons are set to become a new distinguishing feature of future BMW M cars and pay homage to GT racing cars, as well as the BMW M Hybrid V8.
The front apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse features a trimaran-style bumper, inspired by the shape of high-speed sailing yachts. The three-part design emphasises the vehicle’s technical appearance. It also provides structural support for the front splitter, an aerodynamic element situated at the lower edge of the front end.
Another new lighting feature for future BMW M cars is the three-dimensional Track Lights situated on the outer sections of the front bumper.
The Track Lights and the trimaran design also characterise the rear bumper of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. The Track Lights frame the trimaran element situated above the floating diffuser. A striking ducktail spoiler improves aerodynamics, increases downforce on the rear axle and, at the same time, adds a striking accent to the clean-lined design of the rear.
Natural fibre elements are used both on the exterior and interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, for example on the front splitter, the bonnet air vent and the diffuser. For the first time, natural fibre is used not only in its pure form but also in a refined finish featuring the M badge in the roof graphic.
The new Monza Red metallic paint finish and the centre-lock wheels in red and blue reinforce the visual link with BMW M and the world of motorsport.
A driver-centred cockpit for an intense BMW M experience
The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is minimalist and consistently geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation, all-electric BMW M.
Four newly developed, wraparound seats provide secure support even in highly dynamic driving situations and incorporate structural elements made from natural fibre materials. The seat upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red echoes the BMW M colour scheme in a two-tone Merino leather finish. The red five-point seatbelts emphasise the sporty character.
For the first time in a BMW M vehicle, high-quality black leather is used. It features on the steering wheel, the door panels and the roll bar. The floating dashboard is finished in black knitted fabric and features M-specific hexagonal backlighting.
The red accents on the M gear lever, the M steering wheel paddle shifters and the digital displays add select sporty touches to the cabin and place performance centre stage.
High performance and the BMW M driving experience taken to a whole new level
The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse represents the next chapter in the quintessential M combination of dynamism, agility and precision. The innovative BMW M eDrive powertrain concept, featuring four electric motors and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, takes the driving experience and track performance to a whole new level.
“Even in the new all-electric era, we are continuing the quintessential M tradition of transferring both technological innovations and defining design features directly from motorsport to series production,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.
BMW M eDrive is based on the Neue Klasse’s Gen6 technology and has been developed specifically for all-electric BMW M cars. The drivetrain concept combines four electric motors with the central control software, BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, in the high-performance ‘Heart of Joy’ computer. Thanks to the integrated, wheel-specific control of the propulsion and braking systems, BMW M eDrive opens up new possibilities in terms of driving dynamics and safety. It enables high regenerative braking performance, optimum traction right up to the limit and a particularly direct response.
The 800-volt technology and the high-voltage battery with an energy capacity of over 100 kWh create the conditions for a long range. A BMW M-specific, optimised version of the sixth-generation cylindrical cells delivers particularly high power when supplying energy to the electric motors and during recharging. The high-voltage battery housing is structurally integrated into both the front and rear axles, which further enhances driving dynamics.
Source: BMW Group Press Club